Ficus benjamina cv. `TooLittle`

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of Ficus benjamina plant named `TooLittle` which is particularly characterized by its unique, small leaves which curl downward, its very tight internode space, and its dense and extremely slow growth habit.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the discovery and asexual propagation of a newvariety of a Ficus benjamina plant that has been named `TooLittle.`

`TooLittle` is a chance mutant of Ficus benjamina that was discovered inApril of 1988 by James K. Atchison, growing in a cultivated planting ofFicus benjamina plants at Parrish Tropicals, Inc., a nursery in DelrayBeach, Fla. Cuttings from the mutant plant were taken by James K.Atchison, and they were asexually reproduced at the nursery in May of1988 under the direction and supervision of James K. Atchison. It wassubsequently found that the plants which were replicated asexually fromthe original cuttings, and also in succeeding propagations made over tengenerations from cuttings, held the distinguishing characteristics of`TooLittle.`

`TooLittle` can be distinguished from the parent, Ficus benjamina by itsunique, small curled leaves, very tight internode space, and dense andextremely slow growth. `TooLittle` is a very full plant, whereas theparent Ficus benjamina is less dense in nature.

The `TooLittle` plant has leaves approximately 7 to 10 times more inquantity than that of the parent Ficus benjamina variety. The`TooLittle` leaves are approximately 1/4 to 1/3 the size of the parentFicus benjamina leaf, and curl downward slightly. The numerous quantityof leaves gives this plant its dense appearance. The plant can be prunedto tree form and it can also be grown as a shrub. The small size and theextremely slow growth of the Ficus benjamina `TooLittle` make it anexcellent candidate for the Bonsai market.

The branching of the Ficus benjamina `TooLittle` differs both in that itbranches without pruning (from each node), and has extremely tightinternode space compared to that of the parent Ficus benjamina.Branching of the `TooLittle` plant is numerous, expansive, upright andspreading. Branching of the parent Ficus benjamina plant is much moresparse and has a weeping appearance.

The bark of `TooLittle` is light green with new growth, and a gray-brownwith old growth, which is similar to that of the parent Ficus benjamina.Small and medium aerial roots form near the base of the plant, as iscommon with many Ficus varieties. Very large, yet sparse, roots formunder the soil level. These roots can be exposed to add to a Bonsaieffect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings illustrate the new Ficus benjamina `TooLittle`as grown under full sun. Plants grown under shade exhibit larger leavesand internode space, darker green foliage and slightly quicker, uprightgrowth. All plants were grown in a soil mix compound of 50 percentCanadian peat, 30 percent composted pine bark, 20 percent cypress chipsand 10 percent sand. The soil was incorporated with Nutricoat 18-6-8 asnutrient levels fell off. The plants were top-dressed with NurserymansSure Grow 17-4-11.

FIG. 1 in the accompanying drawings illustrates the parent Ficusbenjamina variety (6 to 8 months old) and the new Ficus benjamina`TooLittle` (18 months old) varieties in a side-by-side comparison, withFicus benjamina `TooLittle` on the left and the parent Ficus benjaminavariety on the right. FIGS. 2-A and 2-B in the accompanying drawingsillustrate, respectively, the branching of the parent Ficus benjaminavariety and the Ficus benjamina `TooLittle,` with FIG. 2-C illustratinga side-by-side comparison of the two varieties. The drawingsparticularly illustrate the tight internode space and branching at eachnode characteristic of the new `TooLittle` variety.

FIGS. 3-A and 3-B in the accompanying drawings illustrate, respectively,the leaf charcteristics of the parent Ficus benjamina and the Ficusbenjamina `TooLittle,` with FIG. 3-C illustrating a side-by-sidecomparison of the leaves. Both leaves illustrated are fully mature. Thedrawings particularly illustrate the small, curled leaves of the new`TooLittle` variety.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

Throughout this specification, color names beginning with a small lettersignify that the name of that color as used in common speech is aptlydescriptive. Color names beginning with a capital letter designate colorvalues based on The R.H.S. Colour Chart published by The RoyalHorticultural Society of London, England.

The descriptive matter which follows pertains to Ficus benjamina`TooLittle` plants grown in the vicinity of Delray Beach, Fla., and isbelieved to apply to plants of the variety grown under similarconditions of soil and climate elsewhere.

The Plant

General characteristics: The plant is generally an upright, spreading,and compact shrub, which demonstrates extremely slow growth. It isgenerally smaller than the parent Ficus benjamina, with less vigor. Oneyear old plants are about 12 to 14 inches in height and about 8 to 10inches in width.

Branches: The plant has a large quantity of ascending branches. Immaturebranches are a light green and mature, older branches are a gray-brownin color. A central branch or trunk is formed when pruned; otherwise`TooLittle` branches from the base of the plant. `TooLittle` can bepruned as a tree or a shrub. The caliper of the central branch at thebase of a one year old plant is average, i.e., about 11/2 to 2 cm. indiameter. Internodes are closely spaced, approximately 1 cm. apart.

Foliage

Amount: The quantity of foliage is relatively heavy (about 7 to 10 timesthat of the parent Ficus benjamina) and compact.

Size: Mature leaves are about 1/4 to 1/3 the size of those of the parentFicus benjamina. Mature `TooLittle` leaves are between about 11/2 to 2cm. long and about 3/4 to 1 cm. wide, 1 cm. being the average width. Thepetiole is about 1/2 cm. long.

Color: The upper leaf surface in mature foliage is dark green andglossy; the lower leaf surface is paler and somewhat duller.

Shape: The leaves are alternate in arrangement and ovate in form. Theleaf apex is caudate in shape and curled downward; the base is V-shaped.Leaf margins are entire and there is no undulation. `TooLittle` leavescan be distinguished from those of the parent Ficus benjamina, in thatthey are smaller and curl downward.

Venation: The veins are very fine and pinnate in arrangement. They arebarely raised above the surface. Secondary veins attach to thesuperadjacent vein and are in similar concentration near the leafmargins. The midrib is prominent.

Shoot tip: The shoot tip is about 3/4 to 1 cm. long and light green incolor.

Texture: The foliage is smooth in texture when mature.

Fruit

Fruits have not been observed.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Ficus benjamina plant named`TooLittle` as herein illustrated and described.